297 - Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Building a System of Care to Improve Patient Compliance & Provider Connections

Poster Number: 297
Publication Number: 297.204

Chris Peltier, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States; Jennifer L. Huggins, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, CINCINNATI, OH, United States; Melissa Wervey Arnold, Ohio Chapter, AAP, Columbus, OH, United States; Elizabeth Dawson, Ohio AAP, Columbus, OH, United States; Lory Sheeran Winland, Ohio AAP, Columbus, OH, United States

Background: Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) impacts 300,000 children in the US and is the most common chronic childhood rheumatologic disorder. There is a nationwide shortage of pediatric rheumatologists. Due to this, the primary care provider (PCP) plays a pivotal role in the recognition and management of pJIA. Early recognition of pJIA and referral to a specialist by the PCP dramatically impacts outcome. Familiarity of unique health maintenance needs of the child with pJIA improves care

Objective: The Ohio Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics (Ohio AAP) aimed to establish a system of care to improve outcomes for patients with pJIA by increasing knowledge, confidence, and competence of PCPs in diagnosing and managing patients with pJIA in the medical home (managing symptoms and chronic pain, collaborating with specialists, vaccine decisions for children on immunosuppressive drugs, and helping children manage mental health concerns due to functional limitations) through education and resource development

Design/Methods: Existing research, resources, evidence-based practices, and educational programming on physical, social, and emotional impacts and treatment options for pIJA was examined in preparation of new materials creation: one for PCPs, one for patients/caregivers, one for rheumatologists (Figures 1-2).  Four webinars were created focusing on screening/diagnosis, management of active symptoms and chronic pain, mental health impacts, and co-management with rheumatology.  Immediate impact on participant knowledge and intent to change was measured after the webinars. An online asynchronous pJIA Journal Club was created.  Ten articles were chosen for expanded increase in knowledge, confidence, and competence.  All education and materials were housed on OhioAAP.org

Results:

70 providers registered for the live webinars and 17 claimed CME for all 4 webinars.

Immediate impact on participant knowledge and intent to change was measured after the webinars via evaluation:

40% committed to change.

86% said the content their matched scope of practice.

98% said the speaker(s) were effective.

96% were satisfied with their learning activity.

293 providers viewed the webinar recordings on OhioAAP.org (Figure 3)
The Journal Club webpage has had 133 hits and 13 providers registered for the Journal Club

Conclusion(s):

Through the creation of educational materials, webinars, and an online Journal Club, Ohio AAP was able to improve the care of pJIA in the PCP medical home. Spread to an additional 150 providers (potential 150,000 patient impact) is anticipated in 2023 via enduring materials on OhioAAP.org